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Teen Is Sent Home for Distracting Outfit - Outraged Mom Has the Best Response
Uplifting News

Teen Is Sent Home for Distracting Outfit - Outraged Mom Has the Best Response

*Featured image contains photo by Andrea PiacquadioIt's no secret that many school dress codes could use a boost into the 21st century. Outdated and archaic, they disproportionately target girls and feed into the notion that girls are responsible for the choices and behaviors of boys. They are not. Even when girls do cover up their bodies completely? They still can't seem to win. And one mom has had enough. The Phone CallWhen mom, Shasty Leah, picked up the phone, the last thing she expected to hear was that her daughter was being sent home for a dress code violation.After all, she wasn't wearing any of the standard pieces that normally get cited, like crop tops or mini-skirts. The offending outfit? A brown long-sleeved t-shirt with a crew neck paired with some Halara black jeggings with pocket details. In other words, the standard type of outfit worn by literally every tween and teenage girl everywhere. (And a lot of teachers too.)And while her daughter being sent home two hours before the end of the school day for wearing the unofficial uniform of teens was upsetting, it was the reason the school administration gave that really set her off. “Two hours before school gets out, she's being sent home for school violations because her outfit is distracting to the boys," Shasty said in a now-viral video on TikTok. "[It's] 2024 and we're still teaching the boys that girls are their sexual playtoys," she continued. “We're not teaching the boys: You don't have a right to put your hands on any girl. You don't have a right to call her anything outside her God-given name, and you don't have a right to think that she is your sexual object. We're not teaching the boys that. No."She was just warming up. In a fiery 4 minute and 7 second rant, Shasty didn't hold anything back. The Viral TikTok Video In her video that has been viewed more than 3.2 MILLION times, Shasty covers everything from the hypocrisy of girls' school cheerleading outfits and volleyball team uniforms — that are "practically under-f**king-wear" — to the responsibility of parents of boys to teach them not to sexualize women.“It's 2024. We've got to do better as a society.” Shasty Leah via TikTokAnd for anyone who thinks she doesn't understand boys and their adolescent experiences, she assures viewers that as a mother of FOUR boys, ages 15-29, she's more than qualified to have an opinion. “I have four boys ages 29 to 15. They were taught the same thing: Don't sexualize women,” she said.Reaction to the Viral VideoIn a follow-up video, Shasty reveals the outfit in question, giving viewers a glimpse of the "provocative" t-shirt and jeggings. Take a look:Turns out, Shasty isn't the only one appalled by the school's response. Her post quickly gained traction. More than 18,000 people weighed in, and they were overwhelmingly supportive.“There is NOTHING wrong with this outfit,” one commenter wrote.“I'm a teacher. I see nothing wrong with that outfit,” another said."We just had that discussion the other day. Can't wear a tank top, but cheerleader and volleyball uniforms are what they are..." someone else commented.Others shared their own experiences with school dress codes. "My school tried banning leggings. big mistake. BIG. all the boys showed up for 3 days wearing leggings. for 3 days. in protest," wrote one. Another said, "At my high school we were all “dress code checked” at the beginning of each day. Only the girls." (And there lies in the problem.)"It’s never about the clothes, it’s about the girl’s body type. I’m pretty skinny so I never get dress coded, but my friend who is a bit curvier gets dress coded left and right," one person shared.It's a valid point. The Problem With Unfair Dress CodesThe grim reality is that dress code shaming and policing, specifically in regards to young girls’ bodies, is still very much alive and well.Schools are still sending the message that girls should be reprimanded and punished for having bodies, even when those bodies are actually completely covered up. But the message this school sent isn't just detrimental to the girls, it is to the boys as well. Adolescent boys are more than capable of respecting their female peers and exercising control over their thoughts and behavior. The narrative needs to change. If schools are going to continue using dress codes, they need to update them to ensure that they are equitable and fair, for everyone. More from Goalcast:Student Is Told to “Put Pants On” After Wearing Her Cheerleading Uniform to School – Outraged Mom Fights BackLowe’s Employee Is Fired After She Tries to Stop 3 Shoplifters – Outraged Strangers Have the Best ResponseBrave Employee Is Fired After He Stands Up to the Thieves Who Stole From His Store – Outraged Strangers Have the Best Response

Teen Learns His Grandmother Has Only 6 Months to Live - Plots With His Sister to Make Her Last Moments Unforgettable
Uplifting News

Teen Learns His Grandmother Has Only 6 Months to Live - Plots With His Sister to Make Her Last Moments Unforgettable

In a world where proms are often associated with young love and carefree dances, a heartwarming story unfolds – one that proves that the most beautiful moments can transcend generations. Stephen Vigil, a teenager with a heart full of love for his family, created an unforgettable memory that left everyone in awe.What One Dedicated Teen Did for His GrandmotherUnsplash/ Kajetan SumilaAmidst the melodies and laughter of his high school prom, Vigil stood out for all the right reasons. Instead of following the usual script of dancing with a teenage partner, he held the hand of someone much older yet infinitely dearer – his 92-year-old grandmother, Julia Jarman. As the DJ played her favorite song, they swayed together in a moment that spoke volumes about the bonds of family and the power of simple gestures.The journey that led to this magical prom night began with a twist of fate. When doctors revealed that Julia had only six months to live due to pancreatic cancer, her grandson's world was shaken. Determined to fill her remaining days with happiness, Vigil embarked on a mission to create lasting memories. He took her to Florida, shared meals, and visited family graves, cherishing every moment they had left.But when his sister gave him the idea of prom, it was met with hesitation. Could his grandmother, who had never experienced such an event, attend as his date? The answer came through the compassion of Stafford High School's principal, Joseph Lewis. He granted Vigil's request, allowing Julia to become an unexpected and cherished guest at the prom.“She doesn’t have much time left, so I didn’t even have to think about the decision to take her to prom. I’m so glad we’ll both have these memories,” Vigil said.Dressed in a blue gown that matched her grandson's suit, Julia sparkled not just with her outfit, but with the joy in her eyes. The school embraced her, adorning her with a sash and crown that reflected the queen she was that night, on the eve of her 92nd birthday.As the music played and the dance floor beckoned, Vigil and Julia shared a dance that resonated with love and nostalgia. How One Teen Discovered the Beauty in Small MomentsTheir dance to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love" was a tribute to their deep connection – a connection that was more than just grandmother and grandson; it was friendship at its finest."She almost had me crying as she was singing it along with me while we were dancing," Vigil recalled.In a world where the rush of life often obscures the beauty of such moments, Vigil's decision to celebrate his grandmother became an inspiration to all. Their story, shared on social media, touched hearts globally, reminding us that it's the small gestures driven by love that make life truly beautiful.As Julia revealed, that night was "just wonderful." And while the dance may have ended, the echoes of their bond continue to resonate. Stephen Vigil, with his act of love, not only fulfilled a promise but also became a beacon of warmth and connection. In a fleeting moment at a high school prom, he taught us that love is ageless, and the simplest acts of kindness can create ripples of joy that touch hearts far and wide.More from Goalcast:Fourth Grader Makes a Promise to Classmate With Down Syndrome – Years Later, He Shows Up to Fulfill the PactTeen Is Devastated When Her “Friend” Ruins Her $500 Prom Dress – Little Did She Know There Was So Much More to ComeTeen Didn’t Have a Date for Her Prom – So Her Grandfather Steps in the Best Way

Neighbors Call Police on Teen for Trespassing - Instead of Taking Him Away, Cop Opens the Trunk of His Car
Uplifting News

Neighbors Call Police on Teen for Trespassing - Instead of Taking Him Away, Cop Opens the Trunk of His Car

16-year-old Keonte Evans just wanted to make some money so he could buy his five younger brothers and sisters clothes before the start of a new school year. And, if he was lucky, he'd maybe even make enough to buy himself a PlayStation 5.Not afraid of hard work, he decided that the best way to earn some dough was to start his own lawn care company. Excited about his business venture and having just snagged his first paying customer, he eagerly got to work.That's when neighbors called the police on him.Some Police Investigations Are Not What They SeemOfficer Eric Colleran of the Hapeville, Georgia Police Department took the call about the "suspected trespasser." The unnamed caller was concerned about the teen and wanted him removed.When Colleran arrived, he didn't find a trespasser or a juvenile delinquent. Instead, he found Keonte. A teenage boy just trying to help his family."You might be told one thing over the radio, and when you show up on scene it's something completely different," Colleran said.Keonte politely explained that he was in the area to do yard work: pulling weeds, cutting grass, and trimming hedges. He also told Colleran about wanting to help his five siblings and his single mom and his dream of someday owning a PS5. Colleran quickly sorted out the misunderstanding and left. One Teen’s Actions Result in a Heartwarming Act of KindnessThe fact that a hard-working teenager had the police called on him is a depressing sign of the times. But thankfully, the story doesn't end there.Impressed by Keonte's respectful, soft-spoken demeanor and touched by his drive to help his family, Colleran returned to visit the teen a couple of days later.He didn't arrive empty-handed. He had a surprise for Keonte in the trunk of his patrol car: a brand-new PlayStation 5."Officer Colleran, a gamer himself, was impressed with the young man and thought he would help him reach his goal," the police department wrote on its Facebook page alongside a video of the moving act of kindness. Overcome with emotion, Keonte was speechless as he hugged the police officer tight.In addition to the gaming system, Colleran also enlisted some help from his friends to get a gift card to pay for the membership so the boy could immediately begin playing. "I didn't see it coming at all. It just out the blue. It came like a miracle." the excited teen said of the gift. "It made my heart melt because nobody ever did anything like this for me."As for Colleran, he never expected to end up on the news. He just wanted to give back to a kid who really deserves it. "I was just gonna try to help him out and reach his goals and let him understand that if you work hard and are honest, good things will come to you."Officer Eric ColleranHow One Small Act of Kindness Can Make All the DifferenceThe harsh reality is that having the police called on him could have ended much differently. But thankfully, Keonte was recognized for what he is — a hard-working, kind-hearted teen who loves his mama and his younger siblings.And one police officer's response completely changed the trajectory of that day. Instead of Keonte being left bitter and angry over a phone call that had the power to negatively change his life, he learned a very different lesson that day."Work for what you want and what you need and you might get a blessing like this one day," the teen said. And if there was ever a reason for choosing kindness over prejudice, THIS is it. More from Goalcast:16-Year-Old Puts Her Abusive Father in Jail – Today, the Police Officers Who Arrested Him Walked Her Down the AisleWoman Threatens to Call Police on 8-Year-Old Selling Water in the Street for Her Mom – Instantly Regrets ItPolice Officer Passes by Struggling Homeless Woman on the Street – The Message on Her Shirt Makes Him Pull Over

16-Year-Old Starts Out as a Dishwasher - Two Years Later, the Teenager Buys the Restaurant Herself
Motivation

16-Year-Old Starts Out as a Dishwasher - Two Years Later, the Teenager Buys the Restaurant Herself

18-year-old Samantha Frye didn't plan on becoming a restaurant owner. Like most teenagers her age, she figured she'd go to college, get a degree, and start her career.But sometimes the best things in life happen with absolutely no plan at all.From Dishwasher to Owner: How an 18-Year-Old Became an Unlikely Business Owner Frye started working as a dishwasher at Rosalie's Restaurant in Strasburg, Ohio when she was 16 years old. By the time she was 17, she had risen up the culinary ranks to kitchen prep and then line cook.After high school graduation, Frye planned on attending Ohio State University and pursuing a degree in environmental engineering. And she did, for one semester. But 6 months ago, everything changed.During one of her winter-break shifts, then-owners, Bob and Stephanie Roth, shared that they planned to sell the restaurant. They bought the diner in 2016 from the original owners, Terry and Rosalie Reed, who had it for 30 years.Now, struggling with her own health and with aging parents to look after, the Roths knew it was time to move on. For Frye, it was the opportunity she didn't even know she was looking for. “I was thinking, 'Whoa, maybe this was something I wanted to do,' because I had savings — because I was saving up for college,” Frye told ABC affiliate News 5. “So, I had quite a bit of money set aside, and I was like, I could possibly do this.”Her 'could' quickly turned into a 'would.' Before she had a chance to talk herself out of it, Frye leapt in with both feet, straight out of the frying pan and into the fire.In April, the teenager forked over her savings for a down payment and became the proud new owner of Rosalie's. At the ripe old age of 18.How One Teen Is Cooking Up Business With a Side Order of Inspiration Frye spends seven days a week, eating, breathing, and sleeping her new business venture.“Right now, this is so new; this is my priority,” Frye shared. “Five days of the week, I'm in here. If not in here, I'm back there doing prep. The other two days, I’m in the office doing meetings with the sales reps.”No stranger to hard work, having held down three jobs WHILE attending high school, Frye seems well on her way to making her dream a success.She's even managed to convince her mom that dropping out of college and becoming a restauranteur, while barely out of high school, really was a good idea. "I was not on board with her leaving OSU and taking on such a huge responsibility at her age," Frye's mother, Brandi Beitzel, wrote in a statement to USA Today. "But over time, I warmed up to it and realized that it might not have been the path I envisioned (for) her on but it's the path she wanted to take." Now Beitzel couldn't be more proud of her daughter. "I worked in the restaurant industry for 22 years and I know there are going to (be) many obstacles and challenges ahead of her, but with her drive and ambition the sky is the limit."And the teen isn't just an inspiration to her mother, she is to her employees and customers as well. "I just really think she's a great example of a young lady that is following her dreams and doing what she loves," Leanna Gardner, Rosalie's employee said.Following Your Instincts to Find Your DreamsBecoming a restaurant owner may not have been on Frye's top 10 list of things she planned to do with her life (or anywhere on the list for that matter), and yet, here she is.And she says it's all because she followed her gut. She hopes that if anyone from her generation learns anything from her story, it's that college doesn't always have to be the answer to making a decent living. “You don't need college to make a decent living, and I think that's what a lot of people think nowadays," she said. "Follow your instinct, honestly. If it feels right, just do it."Samantha FryeWhat's your instinct telling you to do?

Teen Asks His Crush to Homecoming Dance but Gets Rejected - Then, 13 Girls Walk Toward Him for an Unexpected Reason
Uplifting News

Teen Asks His Crush to Homecoming Dance but Gets Rejected - Then, 13 Girls Walk Toward Him for an Unexpected Reason

It can be a big deal to take a chance at something new, especially if you’ve never done it before. (Or if cameras happen to be recording you doing that thing in question.) Dakota Nelton found himself in that position ahead of his homecoming dance, and things didn’t go so well for him — not at first, anyhow. But then an act of kindness turned everything around.The Leap of Faith One Young Man Took at SchoolYouTube/WGNONelton was a sophomore at H.L. Bourgeois high school in Gray, Louisiana, when he decided he was going to ask the girl he liked to the homecoming dance. So he made a big sign and walked right up to her in the hall. Unfortunately, the proposal didn’t go as planned, and she rejected him.“It was actually a pretty tough moment standing in a small circle with that one shake of the head, and you just got to find your way out of that circle,” he told WGNO New Orleans.RELATED: Nobody Asks Teen With Down Syndrome to Prom – But One Man Travels 459 Miles Across the Country to Be Her DateTo make matters worse, the entire thing was captured on video, and the incident went onto Facebook. Nelton felt like the whole school was laughing at him as he watched himself walk away while kids chuckled and stepped on his discarded poster.“That’s what made me walk away; I didn’t want to be a part of it,” he added.The Wonderful Surprise 13 Girls Planned for Their ClassmateYouTube/WGNOOn Monday, Nelton dreaded going to school, but he dragged himself through those doors, where he was met with a wonderful surprise. A group of girls at the school had seen the video and decided to do something about it.That day, 13 girls held up posters and proposed to the high schooler, asking him if he would go to the dance with them.RELATED: High School Teen Accepted to Over 50 US Colleges — Receives More Than $1.3 Million in Scholarship Offers“[We decided], let’s get a group of girls together and ask him to show him that he’s loved and worthy and deserves to be going to homecoming with somebody,” Alyssa Buckley told the publication. “We’re going to make sure he dances, like we’re going to make sure he is on the dance floor dancing.”The kind act was enough to turn the entire situation around for Nelton. “I felt like one of the popular kids in school, which I’m really not,” he added. How High School Students Proved the Importance of Kindness So often in movies and on TV, we see high school experiences of kids getting rejected before prom. In real life, those situations can be embarrassing and hurtful, especially when kids mock the person in question for putting themselves out there.The fact that these girls banded together to show a hopeful kid that he deserves love, acceptance, and friendship is a huge deal, and it’s the type of behavior that all parents should encourage. If you’ve got kids, share this story with them to inspire them to perform a kind act for someone at their own school.And if your kid is ever rejected like Nelton was, try and remind them of all the reasons they are awesome. Help them understand that everyone deals with rejection in life, and it’s important to treat yourself with compassion and to process your emotions. If you suspect bullying is involved, however, reach out to the school right away.These experiences are a part of life, but they don’t define us. How we deal with them, however, can tell us everything.

Young Woman Whose Father Passed Away Steps off the Prom Bus - Finds a Dozen Police Officers Waiting for Her
Uplifting News

Young Woman Whose Father Passed Away Steps off the Prom Bus - Finds a Dozen Police Officers Waiting for Her

Prom is supposed to be a happy time in a young person’s life. It’s a milestone filled with fancy frocks, big plans, and even bigger dreams. But it’s hard to think about prom without conjuring up images of proud parents snapping photos. So to lose one of your parents before that big moment can be heartbreaking. That’s one reason this story has people everywhere wiping away tears.Why One Mother Wanted to Make Her Daughter’s Prom SpecialYouTube/Fox NewsIn December 2021, just days before Christmas, a Tarpon Springs, Florida officer named Charles Kondek Jr. was sent on a routine call. There, he was unexpectedly killed when someone trying to evade arrest pulled out a gun, shot him, and then ran him over with a vehicle. The man was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder.RELATED: Dedicated Father Regrets Never Having Been to Prom – Teen Daughter Steps in and Brings Him to TearsIt was a horrific moment Kondek’s family — including his six kids — will never forget. It also shook everyone in the community, and the precinct was heartbroken. So when Kondek’s widow wanted to make her daughter Aleena’s prom extra special a year-and-a-half later, the man’s former co-workers were happy to step in and help.The Huge Surprise One Young Woman ReceivedOn prom weekend, a dozen or so police officers came together and greeted Aleena as she stepped off her prom bus. Together, they escorted her to the big event.“It was an honor and privilege to be able to do this for Charlie as we know he would have been there himself," the police department wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post. "We Will Never Forget - TSPD Blue Family."In an interview with Fox News, one of the officers who showed up that day reiterated the message. “It’s our responsibility and our honor to stand in for Charlie,” he told cameras. “Charlie would be here, and he isn’t able to be here. So we want to be here for Charlie.”How One Fallen Officer’s Memory Is Kept Alive For her part, Aleena was touched. It meant a lot to see her dad’s fellow officers there, reminding her that he’s always in their hearts.“They always say never forgotten, and I totally believe that because every day they’re texting me, saying ‘How are you doing?’ and they step in with things that my dad did,” she told Fox News. “They’re amazing. I love each and every one of them.”RELATED: Dedicated Father Regrets Never Having Been to Prom – Teen Daughter Steps in and Brings Him to TearsWhile some might have expected the teen to be sad during the big day, the memory of her dad brought a smile to her face.“I know he’s always with me, but I just kept smiling throughout the day because I know that he’s watching down,” she said. “I know he’s probably tearing up watching me put my makeup on and get my hair done. They’re my dad’s brothers, and they’ve been amazing.”How Police Officers Proved the Importance of Showing UpHard things happen in life, but what gets any of us through is the support and kindness of our communities and loved ones. Aleena’s prom story is a great example of that, and it serves as a reminder of just how important it is to show up for the people we love.If you’re a parent, that could mean making sure you’re there for all the moments in your kids’ lives, and not just the big ones. The same goes for grandparents and extended family. As a friend, showing up with dinner when your pal is down or showing up to help them even when they didn’t ask can be huge.There are many ways to let the people we love in our lives know that we’re there for them; it’s just a matter of reminding yourself to make the time. After all, none of us know just how much time we’ve got left.